By Last Updated on January 5, 2023
Growing up in Waukesha, WI I know all about season depression. Not only is the Midwest and Northeast (I lived four years in Connecticut as well) cold during the winter, it’s GRAY. If I remember correctly, a newscast from childhood remarked on 40-some consecutive days in December and January without seeing the sun one year. I moved south for college as soon as I could, but that’s not an option for everyone needing treatment seasonal depression.
Getaways have long been a temporary remedy for the blues caused by the grays, and increasingly, spa treatments are being offered to combat them as well.
Spa Therapy for Seasonal Depression
Seasonal changes tend to cause people to experience changes in their mood and overall health. According to Heart, an average of 5% of Americans experience seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). With brutally cold winters and shortened, darker days, many experience “winter blues” which affect behavior and mood among other symptoms.
According to Craig Carter, cofounder of Leaf Spa at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, roughly half of the clients he sees suffer from emotional instability and disconnectedness before visiting. He set out to develop a treatment seasonal depression.
The NEW Leaf Spa at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park embraces the seasonality of life, reminding each guest of the importance of reconnecting with oneself through the power of nature. Leaf Spa’s The Dosha Detox Body Treatment is a routine detoxification allowing the body to maintain good health during seasonal changes. Guests detox with this lymphatic, herb infused body treatment that will help balance and align the body, mind and soul.
Leaf Spa Chicago also offers daily sound bowl healing, known for its healing powers of sending sound wave vibrations throughout the body, helping harmonize and restore the body’s balance. The spa further offers daily meditation which can stimulate the function of the pineal gland, helping to create more melatonin and serotonin.
Our Favorite Sunny Winter Getaways
If you require longer exposure to sunshine’s good vibes than a spa treatment can provide, let us recommend for you our favorite sunny winter getaways for treatment seasonal depression:
Key West, FL: party like a writer (Ernest Hemmingway) while soaking up rays as close to the Caribbean as you can from the U.S. mainland.
Amelia Island, FL: North Florida can be chilly in the winter, but remains sunny. If you’re looking for southern charm with your beach, and don’t mind not getting in the water (brrrr!!!), check it out.
Kauai, HI: The Pacific Northwest gets famously gray too! Getaway from Seattle, Portland and San Fran.
Mexico: You probably haven’t heard of Loreto, Mexico and the Villa del Palmar Islands of Loreto. It’ll be our little secret.
Costa Rica: Beaches meet rainforest under an ever-present sun.
What do you think?